A Rwandan court has thwarted efforts by prominent opposition figure, Victoire Ingabire to contest in July’s presidential election, further entrenching political tensions in the East African nation.
The court’s decision, which upheld a ban on Ingabire’s candidacy, has ignited controversy, with the opposition leader decrying the move as politicized.
Ingabire, who was released from prison in 2018 after serving eight years on charges related to state security and genocide denial, had sought to challenge the electoral prohibition barring individuals who have been incarcerated for more than six months from running for office.
However, the court’s ruling has effectively dashed her hopes of participating in the upcoming polls.
In a statement released on social media platform X, Ingabire denounced the court’s decision, asserting that the refusal to rehabilitate her candidacy transcends personal implications and highlights broader issues facing the nation.
Speaking outside the courtroom in the capital city, Kigali, the 55-year-old politician criticized the judicial process, lamenting the lack of avenues for appeal.
“I don’t agree with what the judge said, and unfortunately you can’t appeal before two years. We are still far from a law-abiding country,” Ingabire remarked
Ingabire’s opposition to President Paul Kagame, who has maintained a firm grip on power for three decades, has placed her at odds with the government. Kagame, who has secured overwhelming victories in past elections, faces renewed scrutiny over his administration’s handling of dissent and political pluralism.
With changes to the constitution potentially extending Kagame’s tenure by another decade, critics accuse the president of stifling opposition voices and consolidating power. Despite facing criticism from human rights organizations, Kagame has defended Rwanda’s human rights record, asserting that the country respects political freedoms.
Ahead of the July election, Ingabire’s disqualification leaves only one challenger to President Kagame: Frank Habineza of the Green Party. However, Habineza’s previous electoral performance underscores the formidable obstacles confronting opposition candidates in Rwanda’s political landscape.
Ingabire’s return from exile in the Netherlands in 2010 marked a pivotal moment in Rwandan politics, signaling a resurgence of opposition activism in a country dominated by the ruling party.
Chioma Kalu
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